2010 MLB Preview: Atlanta Braves Fantasy Impact

Over the last two decades the Atlanta Braves have been about one thing: solid pitching.  Fantasy owners have flourished with Braves pitchers in their lineups and 2010 will be no different. The question is which ones will step up and fill the void left by the departure of Javier Vazquez?  The answer?  Most likely it will be all of the above.

Tim Hudson

Although Hudson missed nearly all of 2009 after Tommy John surgery, he was able to come back in the second half for seven starts.  He not only came back, but showed signs of the Tim Hudson that we know by going 3-1 with a 3.61 ERA. 

Even though his WHIP was a paltry 1.46 we can still have some idea of what we can expect from Hudson since he was able to comeback last season.  Hudson is worth taking a chance on in the middle rounds on draft day as your third or fourth starter.

Jair Jurrjens

Jurrjens was set to emerge as a dominant fantasy ace this season but has recently been tagged with a shoulder injury.  In 2009 he quietly posted a 2.60 ERA with a very solid 1.21 WHIP. 

While these numbers are worthy of drafting him as one of your top two starters, his injury puts his status into question.  Take the wait and see approach with Jurrjens and monitor his starts in spring training to see if you want to gamble on him on draft day.

Tommy Hanson

Hanson certainly lived up to the hype last season as he debuted with an 11-4 record, 2.89 ERA and 1.18 WHIP.  With those kind of numbers Hanson can be seen as the real deal.  Hanson has the makeup to emerge as a top ten pitcher as early as this season and would be worth a look in most leagues in the fourth or fifth round. 

If you are in a long-term keeper league and Hanson will be available in your draft, be sure to pounce on him right away.

On the offensive side, the Braves do not have as much to offer.  What they do have are a lot of mid to late round options that will bolster the bench on your team.  Here is the list of draftable players on the Braves this season.

Draft Order:

1. Jair Jurrjens (SP) - See how serious his shoulder injury is before you take any chances.

2. Tommy Hanson (SP) - Look for Hanson to develop into a fantasy ace before the end of the season.

3. Tim Hudson (SP) - He will likely slip in some drafts and could provide some good value if he returns to form.

4. Brian McCann (C) - The third-ranked catcher in all of fantasy baseball, but it's a distant third.

5. Nate McClouth (OF) - A decent option at your second or third outfield spot. 

6. Derek Lowe (SP) - A solid mid round SP.

7. Yunel Escobar (SS) - Not a great option at SS…so hopefully he is your backup.

8.  Jason Heyward (OF) – This top prospect might be worth a shot in the later rounds if he can land a starting job.